Back-To-School Closet Success

Tooele County School District students and families gathered together at Tooele Junior High August 5th for the eighth annual Back-To-School Closet. Students received new clothing, shoes and backpacks to prepare for the new school year. More than 1,200 backpacks were handed out this year. Multiple families also received eye exams and glasses through the Mobile Eye Care 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that brings eye care services to children in need.

It’s the annual Back-to-School Closet event, where kids get a new backpack, new underwear and socks, and also get to pick out new outfits.

The school district says they have more than 400 children classified as homeless, but that doesn’t take into account those who are disadvantaged.

“It just makes me have hope in humanity… This experience is very humbling, I’m very thankful for all the wonderful people who help support this event,” said Christy Johnson, a liaison for the homeless with Tooele County School District.

The event also provided eye exams and glasses for some of the children.

“So I think we've screened somewhere between 100-150 kids, and I think we'll wind up making eyeglasses, totally free, for about 30 kids, maybe 35 kids,” said Joseph Carbone, Founder and President of the nonprofit group Eye Care 4 Kids.

The district says although this event only happens once a year, they collect donations all year long.

To learn more about how to donate or volunteer with Tooele County School District, contact the Communications Director at: 435-833-1900 ext 1991 and ask to get in touch with Christy Johnson.

Eye Care 4 Kids is a non-profit that has helped nearly 200,000 kids with free eye screenings and glasses. They say a $25 donation to the non-profit affords a child the gift of sight. To learn more, click here.